On Nov. 23, Weehawken resident Nicholas Gasorek, 18, was honored with the Chevalier Degree by the international DeMolay organization headquartered in Kansas City, Mo. DeMolay is a community-based international organization for young men ages 12 to 21.

DeMolay members learn life-skills, responsibility, and cooperation by working together to plan and carry out their customized program of social, sports, and community service activities.

Christopher Gasorek, brother of Nicholas and also a holder of the Chevalier Degree, was active in the ceremony. He was accompanied by Senior DeMolays, all of whom are also past recipients of the Chevalier, including two former past Presidents of the New Jersey statewide organization.

The Chevalier Award is given for outstanding service to the DeMolay youth group, both at the local chapter level as well as at the state and national level. Nick is a past president of the chapter and has earned many awards at multiple regional and national public speaking competitions representing the State of New Jersey DeMolay.

Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, who himself was a DeMolay in his youth, gave his congratulations to Nick on his achievement.

Members from DeMolay chapters across the state, as well as Executive Director Bernie Byrne attended the event at Fidelity Lodge #113 F&AM in Ridgewood, the sponsor of the chapter. The afternoon ceremonies concluded with a dinner reception.

Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad hosting annual fund drive

Weehawken Director of Public Safety Jeff Welz wrote a letter to the residents of Weehawken this past week, urging residents to donate to the township’s Volunteer First Aid Squad, comprised of an ambulance corps and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Welz wrote that due to economic downturn, the squad is facing a tough year ahead. According to the letter, the state will no longer be funding training for the volunteers. In order to prevent the volunteer squad members from absorbing that cost, Welz wrote, the squad and township has covered the cost.

“The Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad is in jeopardy of losing the ability to provide free, quality emergency medical service to the community due to cuts in funding and donations,” said Welz.

Additionally, Welz announced that the squad is looking for new members. The squad has been a great starting point for those who are looking for careers in the medical and health care fields, he said.

“The squad is proud that over one hundred of its alumni and current members have become medical professionals, including paramedics, registered nurses, and doctors,” the letter read.

For more information, call the township’s Public Safety office (201) 319-6046.